SWHL Kerrobert Tigers hope to turn fortunes

By Jordan Parker

The season ended in disappointment for the SWHL Kerrobert Tigers in 2021-2022, but Assistant Coach and General Manager Brad Murphy hopes for a different outcome this campaign.

“I’m pretty excited about the upcoming season in general,” he said. “We have made some big depth changes and added guys. We nabbed five or six guys who haven’t played in this league, and things are going well.”

The team is still a week away from their regular season debut, but Murphy says they can’t wait to get on the ice together.

The Tigers in pre-season action against Kindersley. | PHOTO BY TRACEY CHOLIN

“We get going November 5th against Wilkie. There have just been some events in town and some scheduling things,” he said. “These scheduling issues will be out of the way, and we’ll get started.”

Things have been shaken up on the roster for a myriad of reasons, but Murphy says this year’s squad has some real power.

“Some older guys and veterans have left for family reasons or to be with their kids more. Some young locals finished university, started new jobs, and want to give senior hockey a try,” he said.

“We have a few important, and depth-wise, we’re just thicker and heavier than we have been in the past.”

The Wilkie Outlaws will make a formidable opponent for the Tigers on the 5th as well.

“Everyone in the league just wants to shut them down. We have a diverse team with lots of skill and experience,” said Murphy. “We have to play them tight, focus on defence, and take chances when we get them.”

Murphy makes no bones about the fact this squad has underperformed previously but thinks they’re in a better place.

“We were a bottom-place team last year and have been for a while. There was this constant state of rebuilding, then COVID hit us, and last year was our first year back in full,” he said.

“We were good until Christmas, with one-goal games. But if we had more offence we could have won four or five more. There’s a good group here right now, and they like to play. Hopefully, that chemistry holds true.”

The Tigers GM saw many bright spots last year, despite the losing record. He wants the good things to continue, but with a larger emphasis and drive.

“Our players got to experience a full season last year, and the roster worked together. I want the team to go out and compete,” he said.

“They can go and play hard, and regardless of the outcome, they can feel good knowing they were prepared for 60 minutes of hockey.”

Murphy credits the players and coaching staff’s attitude toward the new season as a reason they’ll find success.

“Head Coach Ryan Schnell came aboard last year and got his feet wet. He knows the game, and he’s bringing what we need to win. The attitude of the guys is great,” he said.

“There’s a full roster, and everyone is excited. It’s going to be a really interesting season for everyone.”

The Kerrobert Tigers visit the Wilkie Outlaws on Saturday, November 5th, for their first regular season game of the year.